Government Contracts and Regulatory Lawyer

The role

This person will build the regulatory side of the legal function from the ground up. They will manage export controls, government agreements, land access, and compliance frameworks.

What you will do

• Lead export control compliance including 10 CFR Part 810, EAR, and ITAR
• Draft, negotiate, and manage agreements with federal, state, and local government entities
• Prepare and coordinate regulatory comment letters and submissions to agencies
• Manage responses to public records requests under FOIA and GRAMA
• Build compliance policies, procedures, training, and infrastructure from scratch
• Design and operate trade compliance programs
• Support land access and permitting across federal and state agencies
• Manage foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) matters
• Support the broader legal team on commercial matters like vendor and supplier agreements
• Manage outside counsel and budgets

Required qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• In good standing with the State Bar of California, or eligible to register as California Registered In-House Counsel
• 5+ years of experience in government contracts, regulatory, or export control practice
• Hands-on experience with U.S. export control regimes (EAR, ITAR, and/or 10 CFR Part 810)
• Experience drafting and negotiating agreements with federal, state, or local government entities
• Strong writing skills
• Sound judgment
• Ability to translate complex legal requirements into practical guidance for technical teams

Nice to have

• Experience in the nuclear, energy, defense, or other highly regulated industry
• Direct experience with 10 CFR Part 810 authorizations, EAR license applications, or ITAR registration
• Familiarity with Other Transaction Agreements, DOE acquisition regulations (DEAR), and the FAR
• Experience with Department of Defense and military contracts, including DFARS and cybersecurity requirements
• Experience with federal and state land and permitting processes
• Experience implementing FOCI assessments and mitigation
• Track record of building compliance programs or legal functions in a startup or high-growth environment
• Experience drafting regulatory comments and managing FOIA or state public records matters
• Experience working in a fast-paced startup or high-growth company
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Equity ownership
• Comprehensive medical benefits
• Unlimited PTO
• Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
• Generous PPE stipend

Before you apply

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder)

About the company

Valar Atomics aims to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable. The company is building a pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah.